Removal of Confederate Symbols Turns Nasty in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Backlash against a plan to remove prominent Confederate monuments in New Orleans has been tinged by death threats, intimidation and even what may have been the intentional torching of a contractor's Lamborghini.

For now, at least, things have gotten so nasty the city hasn't found a contractor willing to bear the risk of tearing down the monuments. The city doesn't have its own equipment to move them and is now in talks to find a company, even discussing doing the work at night to avoid further tumult.

Initially, it appeared the monuments would be removed quickly after the majority black City Council in December approved the mayor's plan to take the monuments down, part of a wave of anti-Confederate sentiment.

The monuments include towering figures of Gens. Robert E. Lee and P.G.T. Beauregard.

(Story by: Cain Burdeau, The Associated Press)

Filed Under: confederate